Regulation 7 Exception for technical innovation
Notwithstanding regulation 6 above, in exceptional circumstances of technical innovation, the Secretary of State may allow equipment which does not comply with the EC conformity-assessment procedures set out in regulation 11 below to be placed on board a ship if he is satisfied, by trial or otherwise, that such equipment is at least as effective as equipment which does comply with those procedures.
The Secretary of State shall only allow radiocommunications equipment to be placed on board a ship in the circumstances set out in paragraph (1) above if he is satisfied that such equipment does not unduly affect the requirements of the radio-frequency spectrum.
The Secretary of State shall issue a certificate in respect of any equipment which he allows to be placed on board a ship pursuant to paragraph (1) above which certificate shall–
record the Secretary of State’s approval of the equipment;
specify any restrictions or conditions on the use of the equipment; and
be carried on board the ship with the equipment at all times.
If a ship registered in a country other than the United Kingdom, with equipment on board which has received the approval of its flag State pursuant to article 14 of the Directive, is transferred to the United Kingdom register, the Secretary of State may take the necessary measures, including carrying out, or having carried out, such tests and practical demonstrations as he considers necessary, to ensure that the equipment is at least as effective as equipment which does comply with the EC conformity-assessment procedures.